NORD SCHOLARS PROGRAM

This year, in collaboration with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®), we are excited to offer a merit and need-based scholarship to reduce financial barriers for students passionate about rare disease research and solutions. By covering travel and other related costs, the program ensures equitable participation, empowering students from diverse socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds to contribute their skills and ideas. Housing will not be covered with this scholarship.

A dedicated panel from NORD and the Harvard Rare Disease Hackathon organizing team will review scholarship applications. Applications will be judged anonymously, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Scholarship awards will not influence hackathon competition outcomes.

Students applying for our NORD Scholars Program must complete the Hackathon Registration Form and the NORD Scholars Program application below by Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Students will be notified if they are selected to be a NORD Scholar by Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Selected participants will be responsible for covering their Hackathon-related costs upfront. However, NORD will reimburse these expenses. If this presents a challenge, please do not hesitate to contact us at harvardrarediseases@gmail.com.

Please note that all needs will be accommodated to the best of our ability, and we reserve the right to request documentation, such as tax filings, to confirm financial need if selected. Fraudulent applications will result in the rescinding of the scholarship.

Name

First Name

Last Name

@_.edu email addresses only

Hometown

Race

Select all that apply.

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

Prefer not to say

Ethnicity

Annual Household Income (USD)

First-Generation Student Status

Select all that apply.

First-generation undergraduate student

First-generation graduate student

Not applicable

Are you currently receiving financial aid from your affiliated institution?

Extenuating Circumstances

Please use this space to elaborate on any extenuating circumstances you would like the committee to know when reviewing your application.

Does your participation in this hackathon depend on receiving funding from the NORD Scholars Program?

Please answer the following short answer prompts in 100 words or less. These questions are only required if you are applying to the NORD Scholars Program.

Provide a brief overview of your background and experience in fields relevant to the Harvard Rare Disease Hackathon, such as biology, computer science, genomics, or other related disciplines.

Why are you interested in participating in this hackathon? What do you hope to learn or gain from this experience?

Please provide a detailed budget outlining your expected expenses for participating in the hackathon. Include specific costs such as transportation (e.g., flight, train, bus, or gas), hackathon materials, or other relevant expenses. Itemize your expenses as clearly as possible to ensure a thorough review of your application.

Please note that housing is not covered in this scholarship.